What is the difference between an electric generator and a power plant? Comparison of diesel and gasoline electric generators

Electric generators running on any type of fuel are used as a backup or main source of electricity. The latter are high-power units that can operate continuously for up to 10 hours or more. They are usually installed on construction sites or de-energized enterprises, and are also used to supply energy to country houses.

The main types of fuel that portable power plants run on are diesel and gasoline.

Operating principles of electric generators

In gasoline power plants, the engine operates through the operation of a piston system. Inside the cylinder, into which the air-fuel mixture is supplied, there is a spark plug. It is responsible for igniting the mixture, the combustion of which produces kinetic energy. Under its influence, the piston moves and drives the crankshaft connected to the rotor. The latter converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. There are more complex 4-stroke inverter gas generators that produce a more stable voltage.

As for diesel electric generators, they operate on a different principle. The fuel is ignited not by a spark, but by creating the required pressure in the injection pump. The process is more complex, and the torque is transmitted jerkily. In this regard, professional diesel power plants are always equipped with additional stabilization systems so that the output voltage does not jump.

Differences between the two types of power plants

Both types of generators have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, diesel generators are more powerful, so they are used as an emergency or main source of power. Depending on the modification, such a power plant can provide electricity to an entire house or industrial facility. On construction sites, welding equipment is even connected to diesel generators, but this requires rectifiers.

Gasoline equipment wins in terms of cost - it is much cheaper, and therefore more popular among ordinary consumers (owners of country houses or summer cottages). If you do not plan to use the generator set to constantly generate voltage, but will operate it periodically as needed, it is not advisable to overpay for a diesel unit.

The operation of power plants operating on different fuels is almost the same. The difference is noticeable only in the cost of spare parts and the complexity of repairing units. Diesel power plants are more complex, so to service them you need to hire more experienced technicians, who charge more money for their services.

Electric generators running on gasoline and diesel fuel have a maximum operating time:

• gasoline engines require periodic shutdowns, since they cannot work continuously for a long time (on average, air-cooled household devices operate for 4-6 hours, after which a break is needed);
• Diesel power plants can operate continuously.

As mentioned, gas generators produce a more stable voltage, so they are usually chosen when it is necessary to provide power to sensitive equipment. The optimal choice in this case would be an inverter gasoline power plant.

As you can see, it is impossible to say for sure which generator is better. Both types of power plants have their strengths and weaknesses. To simplify your task of choosing a suitable unit, we will consider the main technical parameters of the equipment.

What to consider when choosing the right model?

When selecting a power plant, you must be guided by the following technical characteristics of the unit:

• maximum performance;
• efficiency;
• noise level;
• operating conditions.

If you need a high-performance power plant, choose a diesel one, since running high-power gasoline units is impractical and quite expensive.

In terms of efficiency, it is impossible to unambiguously single out any one type of power plant, since everything depends on the model and operating features. For example, when operating at low speeds, inverter gasoline engines significantly reduce fuel consumption. If you compare conventional diesel and gasoline models, diesel generators will be more economical.

Electric generators running on diesel fuel are more sensitive to environmental operating conditions, but gasoline devices require more regular maintenance. Taking these factors into account, you need to select equipment that is better suited to specific conditions.

Sometimes you have to take into account the noise level of a power plant. Diesel generators are noisier, so if you need to install it in a country house, you will have to take care of additional soundproofing of the room in which the equipment is located.

A diesel generator (diesel power plant) is an electrical device consisting of an electricity generator (alternator) and a diesel engine that rotates the generator. Depending on the design, there are stationary and mobile diesel generators, which in turn can be of an open type, in a noise-proof casing or a block container.

It is important to understand the difference between the terms "diesel generator", "diesel generator set (DGS)" and "diesel power plant".

A diesel generator is a unit consisting of an alternator and a diesel internal combustion engine, which are connected to each other.
A diesel generator set (or DGS) is a diesel generator mounted on a frame, equipped with a control panel, a fuel tank, and a protective casing or installed in a block container.
A diesel power plant (DPS) is based on a diesel generator set, and automation devices connected to it, redistribution or transformation of electricity, uninterruptible power supplies, remote control and other devices. Thus, the design of a diesel power plant is a combination of an electric generator, an internal combustion engine, a welded frame, and equipment for controlling and monitoring the condition of the power plant.

Current generation in the device occurs due to the conversion of the rotational energy of the alternator into electromotive force. Generators are divided into two types: synchronous and asynchronous.
An asynchronous generator is an electric motor in which the residual magnetization of the rotor is used to create an EMF. Due to the absence of the need to cool the winding and supply electricity to it, asynchronous generators have a long service life and high reliability. However, in generators of this type, the frequency and voltage depend on the engine rotation speed and are therefore not always stable.
The rotor of synchronous generators has a coil of electrical wires that are powered by an electric current that creates a magnetic field. Rotating, it creates an electromotive force on the stator winding (the stationary part of the unit). By changing the parameters of the input current (supplied to the rotor), you can adjust the output characteristics of electricity. Therefore, synchronous generators have output voltage and current frequency with high stability. Also, the advantages of synchronous generators include the ability to connect equipment with increased starting loads: compressors, pumping equipment, electric motors, welding machines, etc.

Based on the output voltage, single-phase and three-phase diesel power plants are distinguished.
Single-phase generators have one output voltage - 220V (or 380). Three-phase ones have output voltages of both 220V and 380V. The efficiency of 3-phase diesel power plants is higher than that of single-phase ones.

To cool diesel power plants, either air flow or a special coolant is used.
The air cooling method allows the diesel generator to be operated without stopping for no more than 10 hours. Then, it will be necessary to cool the diesel generator set for one or two hours, after which the device can be started again. Therefore, as a rule, air-cooled diesel power plants are used as a backup or emergency source of electricity.
Liquid-cooled diesel power plants are capable of operating continuously around the clock, making them ideal for primary power supply.

A wide range of capacities and design options of diesel power plants allow them to be used in various fields: in construction, in trade, in production, for outdoor events. Diesel generators are indispensable when it is necessary to supply electricity at remote sites: industrial settlements, military camps, communications enterprises.
To be on the safe side in case of a power outage, diesel generator set -

The differences between diesel and gasoline electric generators are due to the design and operational differences between diesel and gasoline engines, which rotate the shaft of the generators that produce electric current. Both the first and the second are internal combustion engines by their operating principle, however, the technical characteristics of gasoline generators and diesel generators differ significantly. These differences are due to differences in the design of their engines, the type of fuel used, the principles of preparing the working mixture, supplying it to the cylinders, and the method of ignition.

In a gasoline engine, fuel is supplied to the carburetor, where it is mixed with air. The finished fuel-air mixture enters the cylinder, where it is ignited by a spark from a spark plug. In a diesel engine, air and fuel are supplied separately. First, air is drawn into the cylinder, which is compressed to high pressure during the reverse movement of the piston (at the same time it is heated). At the end of the compression stroke, the injector injects fuel into the cylinder, which self-ignites due to high temperature and the piston does its work. Features of the diesel engine include the absence of an ignition system, separate fuel and air supply, and a high compression ratio.

If we compare diesel and gasoline engines in general, regardless of electric generators, then their main differences, resulting from differences in designs and operating principles, boil down to the following:

• The diesel engine has higher efficiency;
• it is more fuel efficient;
• has a greater resource;
• requires more professional service;
• more noisy;
• sensitive to external temperature conditions;
• has a higher price.

All these differences, naturally, remain in electric generators. However, for a consumer choosing between a diesel or gasoline generator, this general information may not be enough.

Power and operating mode. Household gasoline generators are lightweight, compact, mobile models designed for use as backup power sources. The power of gas generators ranges mainly from 0.5-10 kW. Although more powerful models are also available.

The power of diesel generators lies in a much wider range - from 2 to 200 or more kW. Among them there are both household models designed for occasional use, and industrial stationary units designed for continuous operation.

When operating a diesel generator, it is important to know that running at low loads or idling is harmful to diesel engines. Thus, in the operating instructions there may be a requirement not to work at idle speed for more than 5 minutes, and to work with a load of 20% for no more than 1 hour (the numbers may be different, for example 40%). This starts the generator at idle speed. There are recommendations, as a preventive measure, to carry out a 100% load every 100 hours of operation, lasting about 2 hours. Since fuel ignition in a diesel engine occurs due to high temperature at the end of the air compression stroke and fuel supply at the right moment, and at idle the average temperature of the cycle decreases, this leads to disruption of the mixture formation process, combustion in the cylinder and incomplete combustion of fuel. Which, in turn, leads to the formation of persistent deposits in the cylinder, exhaust manifold, coking of the injector, dilution of the oil in the engine crankcase with unburned fuel and disruption of the lubrication system.

Type and consumption of fuel. Modern gasoline generators run on A-92 or A-95 gasoline, while diesel generators run on diesel fuel. The compression ratio of diesel engines is significantly higher - 18-22 units instead of 9-10 for gasoline engines. A diesel engine has better control of the mixture composition. The same volume of air is supplied to the cylinders, regardless of the crankshaft speed, and the volume of fuel increases with load. As a result of all this, the fuel combustion efficiency and efficiency of diesel generators are higher than those of gasoline generators.

It is believed that on average the efficiency of a gasoline engine is 20% lower than that of a diesel engine at rated power. In other modes, the gap can reach 40%. This means that the characteristics of a diesel generator to obtain the same amount of generated electricity allow it to consume 1.2-1.5 times less diesel fuel than gasoline (even if this energy was produced by a gasoline generator).

Resource. The resource of diesel generators significantly (several times) exceeds the resource of gasoline ones. This can be explained by their more powerful design. In addition, diesel fuel, unlike gasoline, is also a lubricant, which reduces wear on rings and cylinders. The specific service life of both gasoline and diesel generators depends on the design of their engine and the material of the cylinder block.

The service life of two-stroke gasoline generators with aluminum cylinders is about 500 hours. Four-stroke engines with overhead valves and a cast-iron cylinder block can operate for more than 3,000 hours.

The service life of diesel engines also depends on many parameters, in particular, on the speed and type of engine cooling. For small diesel generators, the service life is about 3000-7000 hours. Low-speed models (1500 rpm) outperform high-speed models (3000 rpm) in terms of operating time. And liquid-cooled engines last longer than air-cooled engines. Stationary low-speed liquid-cooled diesel generators from Western and Japanese manufacturers are capable of operating for 40,000 hours.

Noise level. In general, gasoline generators are quieter than diesel ones. The noise characteristics of gasoline generators and diesel generators are approximately: for the former - 55-72 dB, for the latter - 72-110 dB. This difference is explained by the operating characteristics of gasoline and diesel engines. The latter experience increased loads and vibrations during operation due to the increased compression ratio. However, the noise of diesel generators depends on the degree of their load - during idle operation they are noisier than under load. In the latter case, their noise level approaches the noise level of gasoline models.

Repair and service. A diesel engine requires more professional repair and maintenance than a gasoline engine due to the fact that it is more complex. Unlike a carburetor engine, which is quite undemanding in terms of fuel quality, a diesel generator requires high-quality fuel. Repairing a diesel generator (if it is needed) is usually more expensive than repairing a gasoline one. True, when assessing the upcoming costs of repairs, you need to take into account the fact that in the long term, the long service life of a diesel engine can compensate for repair costs.

Launch. Diesel generators, compared to gasoline ones, are more difficult to start - both manual and automatic. Especially in winter. Difficult starting is caused by the design and operation of diesel engines. Minor malfunctions also affect the startup: a leak in the needle seat in the injector, leading to poor fuel atomization, wear of piston group parts, causing a decrease in pressure in the combustion chamber below the values ​​​​at which ignition of the fuel occurs, and malfunctions of the fuel pump.

Weight. In general, diesel generators are heavier than gasoline generators. However, in portable, low-power models, the weight difference may be practically negligible. If the power of a diesel generator is small, then its weight is not much greater than the weight of a gasoline generator of the same power.

Price. The price of diesel generators is significantly (1.5-2 times) higher than gasoline ones. Which is not surprising, given the complexity of their engines and long service life.

In general, if there are no very compelling reasons in favor of a diesel generator, then the choice of electric generator should be opted for a gas generator. Gasoline generators are cheaper, more mobile and easier to operate. Diesel generators are worth a closer look if the expected operating time per year is measured in thousands of hours.

Below are some technical characteristics of diesel and gasoline generators for comparison.

Summary table of the main differences between diesel and gasoline generators

When using the content of this site, you need to put active links to this site, visible to users and search robots.

What is the difference between a diesel generator and a diesel power plant, or is it the same thing and received the best answer

Answer from Terminator-5[guru]
Power plant is a common name. This is an autonomous source of electricity generated by a generator. If the generator is driven by a diesel engine, then it is a diesel power plant. But, the same generator can be mechanically driven from a gas turbine or from the energy of falling water, superheated steam or wind energy. Accordingly, based on the same generator, this power plant will already be called hydro, wind, or thermal. Not to mention nuclear. But, in essence, any diesel generator, both small, household at 10 KVA and large, at 500 KVA, on wheels and, therefore, registered with the traffic police, can, of course, be called a diesel power plant.

Answer from 2 answers[guru]

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: What is the difference between a diesel generator and a diesel power plant, or are they the same thing?

Answer from Alexander[guru]
One and the same, just a popular name....

Answer from GT[guru]
A diesel generator is a type of mini-generator powered by diesel fuel.

A diesel power plant is the same thing, only bigger and more powerful.

Although in principle they work almost the same

Answer from Yoma[guru]
Much of a muchness. A diesel power plant is a diesel generator plus cables, wheels, housing, control panel, etc. But the basis is a generator.

Answer from Sagittarius[guru]
DPS (Diesel power plant) is an autonomous device designed for round-the-clock generation of electricity. Diesel generators (DG), as a rule, are used as a backup power source in case of interruptions in the power supply from the main source. Typical continuous operation time of a diesel generator is 10-14 hours. After this, the car must be stopped to cool down.
In addition, diesel power plants use various clever devices to save fuel. In particular, the speed and power of the diesel power plant monitors the actual electrical load.

Answer from Vova Turchintsev[newbie]
There is no fundamental difference. sizes only

Answer from Vladimir Mokrinsky[active]
Of course, there is a small difference between them, but in general the differences are only in design. Let’s say I recently bought myself a small diesel generator. It turns out to be a very useful and necessary thing. Never fails.
link

Answer from Yoman Shkelenok[newbie]
period of work.

Answer from Alexander Zharikov[newbie]
Diesel generator station (DES) - This is a combination of two or more diesel generator sets configured for synchronous operation both with the external network and with each other.

Diesel generator set (DGS) - This is a stationary installation for generating electrical energy used as a main or backup power source.
Diesel generator set (DGA) - This is a mobile or temporarily installed unit used for backup power only.

Answer from Denis Preobrazhensky[newbie]
It’s all the same thing, if it’s a diesel generator, then it’s a diesel power plant, not a nuclear power plant or some kind of crap station. If it is a gasoline generator, then this is a gasoline power plant, read yours here on the website of competent people, here is the link and everything will immediately fall into place.
They started demagoguery here))

Answer from Anton Shornikov[newbie]

Answer from Energy Motors[newbie]
From us you can buy diesel power plants with a power from 7.5 to 6500 kW, as well as other electrical equipment at the most attractive prices. There are several design options to choose from, which allows you to choose the best option for solving various types of problems. We carry out a full range of work - from design to commissioning, from warranty service to the supply of spare parts for repairs. Delivery is carried out to any regions of Russia and neighboring countries.
You can get professional advice from our managers.
Call +7 343 200-01-74, +7 343 286-42-76, 8-800-700-54-47 (toll-free in Russia).
[email protected]
link

Answer from Den olko[active]
Usually they are distinguished by motor potential and readiness for constant work. More reliable models have water cooling and better bearings. You can look at the generators here: cheaptool.ru/category/generators

Alternative sources of electricity include mobile and stationary generators, as well as power plants. The main difference between them is the dimensions of the equipment and the output power. It is power that plays the most important role when you need a power plant for your home. Determining the optimal technical capabilities of equipment is quite easy. To do this, you need to add up the power of all operated electrical appliances in the house. The power of the power plant should be approximately 20% higher than the obtained value. This reserve is necessary in case there is a need to connect additional devices. Now, all that remains is to decide which is better: a generator or a power plant, and for this it is necessary to take a closer look at both types of secondary power source, which can be purchased from the MOTOR company.

Generators

Such devices can be created on the basis of both gasoline and diesel engines. As a rule, generators with a power of up to 5 kW run on gasoline, and devices over 5 kW run on diesel fuel. The design feature of generators is that most models are simply assembled on a frame and do not have a protective casing. This means that they can only be used indoors or only outdoors in good weather. Stationary diesel generators are rarely used in everyday life, as they have high power, which is not in demand even in the private sector. They have a protective casing, and therefore can be used outdoors, providing electricity to small facilities or industrial buildings.

Power plants

High-power power plants of 200-3000 kW are intended exclusively for operation in industrial enterprises, as well as for providing electricity to large facilities. Smaller models can be mounted on a vehicle chassis, allowing them to be easily transported from one site to another. Powerful stationary power plants are equipped in metal containers and installed in certain places near the facility in an open space, as they have good protection from weather factors. Such power plants are not suitable for a private home, due to too much power, and therefore it is recommended to give preference to a diesel generator with a power of 5-10 kW.

Design and principle of operation of power plants

The main structural components of these devices are the internal combustion engine, generator, control unit, as well as a frame or casing, depending on the type of power plant. The engine crankshaft rotates the rotor of an asynchronous or synchronous generator, which produces electricity. Using the control unit, you can set the operating modes of the equipment, depending on how much power is needed. Some models have an automatic start function without human intervention. It works 1-2 minutes after a power outage in the main network.

All products of the MOTOR company can be divided into two types.

1. Low power generators. They are designed for short-term use in case the mains power supply is temporarily interrupted. Such equipment is the best option for providing electricity to a private home.
2. High-power power plants for regular power supply of large facilities. Most models are stationary, made in a metal container or have a protective casing.

Regardless of what type of power plant you choose from MOTOR, it will have high build quality. This is due to the presence of our own production site, which is equipped with modern equipment. In combination with components supplied from the world's leading manufacturers, the final product boasts a lot of advantages. Therefore, the company’s equipment is in demand not only in Russia, but also abroad.

MOTOR carries out warranty and post-warranty maintenance of its equipment, thereby extending the service life of diesel power plants and generators. Working with us is profitable and convenient.